This Crispy Vegan Tofu Cheese Toast is a savory, protein-packed plant-based dish that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Made with nutrient-rich chickpea flour, tofu, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is completely dairy-free and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 300g (11oz) firm tofu, mashed
- 1 green onion, chopped
- ½ medium carrot, diced into small cubes (about 40g)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (10g)
- ½ tsp turmeric (1g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp chickpea flour (30g)
- 130ml (5fl oz) plant-based milk
- Dairy-free mozzarella cheese, for filling
- Vegan cheddar cheese, for filling
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the green onion and dice the carrot into small cubes.
- Mash the Tofu:
- In a large bowl, mash the firm tofu until it reaches a crumbly texture.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, diced carrot, chopped green onion, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to the mashed tofu.
- Pour in plant-based milk and stir everything until well combined into a thick batter.
- Heat the Pan:
- Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the Mixture:
- Spoon the tofu mixture into the pan, forming small patties.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Cheese Filling:
- Once crispy, place vegan mozzarella and cheddar cheese between two pieces of the fried tofu mixture to create a toast-like sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Continue frying for another 2-3 minutes, pressing lightly until the cheese melts and the outside is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of avocado salad or roasted vegetables.
- Dip into vegan ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.
Cooking Tips
- Press the tofu before mashing to remove excess moisture for a firmer texture.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For extra crunch, coat the outside with a thin layer of breadcrumbs before frying.
- Customize the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make it oil-free by baking at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Benefits
- Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and calcium.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and B vitamins.
- Chickpea flour is gluten-free and high in fiber.
- Carrots and green onions provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- 100% Vegan
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free (if using certified GF chickpea flour)
- High-Protein
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280-320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside.
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with plant-based protein for a satisfying meal.
- Customizable with different fillings and add-ins.
Conclusion
This Crispy Vegan Tofu Cheese Toast is a flavorful, high-protein, and satisfying plant-based dish. With its cheesy, crispy, and savory goodness, it’s a great alternative to traditional grilled cheese. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this recipe is sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Can I use other flours instead of chickpea flour?
Yes! Try oat flour or almond flour, but chickpea flour gives the best binding. - What’s the best tofu to use?
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe. - Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. - Can I make this soy-free?
Swap tofu for mashed chickpeas or lentils for a soy-free version. - How do I make the cheese extra melty?
Cover the pan while frying to create steam, helping the cheese melt faster. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and store the patties in the fridge, then cook when ready. - What dipping sauces go well with this?
Try vegan ranch, BBQ sauce, or sriracha mayo. - Can I air-fry this?
Yes! Air-fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. - How do I keep the mixture from being too wet?
Make sure to press the tofu well before mixing, and adjust flour as needed.